Automatic tank filling control



. Jan; 3, 1961 J. R. WHITEMAN ,9 1

AUTOMATIC TANK FILLING CONTROL Filed 'Jan. a1, 1956 '72 .73 I T1IZI.1.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 i we Jan. 3, 1961 J. R. WHITEMAN AUTOMATIC TANK FILLING CONTROL Filed Jan. 31, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent AUTOMATIC TANK FILLING CONTROL John R. Whiteman, Marrero, La., assignor to Texaco Inc., a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 31, 1956, Ser. No. 562,428

3 Claims. (Cl. 137-122) This invention relates to an automatic control mechanism for a system for selectively filling a battery of tanks.

Heretofore various mechanical, electrical and other pneumatic means have been devised to automatically or semi-automatically fill a battery of storage tanks on oil leases and the like. These prior systems are all subject to some drawbacks depending on where and how they are used.

The electrical control systems for filling tanks, for instance, are subject to power failures with accompanying shutdowns in operation or manual replacement. This, of course, is a potential hazard at all times with the use of electrical systems. There is also the possibility that electric power is unobtainable as in the case of oil well spacings of large magnitudes and also offshore drilling operations, which make it impractical to supply electricity.

Objection may also be made to the use of electrical systems near oil pipe lines and storage tanks owing to the danger of spark ignition of the ever present inflammable vapors.

Completely mechanical systems are for the most part bulky and extremely impracticable on large leases.

The pneumatic systems are preferred to other types, since they can accomplish superior results in automatic selective tank filling without the accompanying drawbacks, such as power failure, fire hazard, or total absence of a driving force for the system.

Pneumatic systems for selectively filling a battery of tanks with crude oil can be supplied with a gas under pressure for operation of the pneumatic system in many cases directly from the producing oil well. Oil wells often have a considerable amount of available gas at relatively high pressures either from a natural gas supply or from pumped gases used to raise the oil from the well. The utilization of such gases in this manner would be a definite advantage. The pneumatic system may also be supplied with gas under pressure directly from a gas pumping unit.

In accordance with the present invention, a novel automatic tank filling control is provided for a tank filling system which includes a battery of tanks, a main oil fill line, an inlet conduit to each tank from said oil fill line, inlet valves in said inlet conduits, a main oil discharge line, outlet conduits from each tank to said discharge line, outlet valves in each outlet conduit, a fluid level indicator associated with each of said tanks and a constant pressure gas supply. The automatic tank filling control comprises a rotary power distributor for selectively actuating said inlet valves, a rotary stop element or cylinder having laterally spaced, radially projecting members extending therefrom, a prime mover for said rotary stop element, a driving connection between said rotary element and said rotary power distributor, a plurality of protractile members pneumatically actuated by said, fluid level indicator means and engageable with said projecting members whereby on engagement the rotary stop element will stop rotating, causing the power 2,966,921 Patented Jan. 3, 1961 distributor to be positioned for actuation of one of said inlet valves, and means actuated by saidvoutlet valves capable of preventing the actuation of said protractile members.

In the preferred form of the invention, the rotary power distributor is a distributor valve having a gas inlet conduit'from said constant pressure gas source and a gas outlet conduit leading to each of said inlet valves which are pneumatically actuated. When the rotary stop element is stopped by engagement of a protractile mem her with its corresponding projecting member, the distributor valve will deliver gas under pressure through one of said distributor gas outlet conduits to one of the pneumatically actuated valves which control a' tank fluid inlet conduit.- The prime mover for the rotary stop element in the preferred form of the invention is a spool axially attached to the axis of the rotary stop element and having a weighted cord or strand wound about it to impel or rotate the spool by the force of gravity. At the end of its downward movement the weight actuates a valve in a gas line which in turn actuates a main fluid inlet valve to the closed position.

A detailed description is now set forth with accompanying drawings in which: Fig. l is a schematic representation of the tank filling system, Fig. 2 is a front elevated view of the control mechanism for the system, Fig. 3 is a side sectional view of the control system shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a top cross-sectional view-of a fluid level indicator means for operating a three-way valve, Fig. 5 is a sectional top view of a three-way valve, and Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a plug valve means for operating a three-way valve.

In Fig. l of the drawing tanks 1, 2, and 3 represent a battery of oil tanks of which there could be any-practical number. Pressurized gas supply line 4 supplies gas either directly from the well or from a pump to the rotary master controller broadly designated as 6. The gas supplied directly to the distributor valve proceeds through conduit 4a. The gas supplied to the control means itself passes through conduits 7, 9, and 11 from supply line 4. In each case the gas supply to the control means itself first passes through a series of three-way valves. The first of such valves, numbered 8, '10, and 12, are actuated by tank outlet plug valves 14, 16, and 18, respectively, which are mounted in outlet conduits 17, 19, and 21, respectively. The second series of valves, numbered 20, 22, and 24, respectively, are actuated by the tank fluid level indicator floats 26, *28, and 30, respectively. The final series of valves, 32, 34, and 36, are manually actuated. To simplify the explanation, reference will be made to the valves and to the mechanism associated with tank 1, since it is representative in every detail. If plug valve 14 is open to allow oil to discharge from tank 1 through main oil discharge line 5, the three-way valve 8 will be closed preventing gas under pressure from proceeding to control mechanism 6. Conversely, if plug valve 14 is closed, the three-way valve 8 will be positioned to allow gas to proceed toward control mechanism 6. A more detailed description of the workings of the plug valve 14 in conjunction with the three-way valve 8 will be given later in the specification.

When tank 1 is full, float 26 will cause three-way valve 20 to be closed, preventing the gas under pressure from proceeding to control mechanism 6. However, if tank '1 is empty or there is insufficient oilrin the tank to raise the float, three-way valve 20 would then be in a position to allow the gas to continue to control mechanism 6. A more detailed description of this will also be given later on in the specification. Three-way valve 32 is manually actuated and the system may be controlled by the operator from this point.

B ewn i? 11 made to Fig. 2 wherein the rotary stop element or. cylinder 40 isugravitationally. driven by a prime mover comprising a spool 42 on which strand 44 is wound a sufiicient number of turns to revolve the cylinder 49 the desired-number of revolutions and to the end of which is attached weight 46. The cylinder 40 has spaced, radially projecting 'rnembersor lugs 48, t], and 52 extending therefrom. The multi-port rotary distributor valve 54 has a driving connection 56 to the axis of the cylinder-4i) whereby the rotation of the cylinder 40 will cause the rotation of the distributor valve rotor (not shown). here are also provided a number of protractile members, broadly designated at 58, 60, and 62 corresponding to the number of tanks in the battery. These are actuated by gas under pressure coming through gas supply lines 7, 9, and 11 and are adapted to engage the corresponding projecting. members 48, 50, and "'52 sequentially. When, for instance, protractile member 58 engages the projecting member 48,'the cylinder 40 Will stop rotating causing the distributor valve 54 to :deliver gas under pressure from line 4a through the :gas cond-ait or line 55. The gas will proceed under-pressure to the diaphragm operated oil inlet valve 74, causing said valve to open allowing'tank 1 to be filled with oil. The oil inlet valves 76 and 78 are similarly actuated through lines 57 and 59, respectively, when distributor waive 54 is positioned for delivery to either line.

In Fig. 3 protractile member 58 is shown in a cut- -'away side view in the engaged position with lug 48. It can be seen that the pressure of "the'gas coming through "line 7 forces the-piston 64 down causing pivoted latch 66 toengage projecting member or lug 48 and consequently 'stopping rotation of -the cylinder 40. When any of-the three-Way valves leading to protractile member 58 are closed, such as when the tank is filled causing float 26 to close three-way valve 20, the gas in line 7 between valve 20 and protractile member 58-will be bled ofl, allowing spring 65 biased piston '64 to retract thereby per- =mitting the cylinder'40 to rotate again. The continued gas flow through line 55 will cease and the gas which is contained in line 55 will be bled ofi through means provided therefor in distributor valve 54, thereby allowing inlet valve 74 to close. Cylinder 40 will rotate until protractile member 62 engages lug 52 and the same action as previously described will take place until the 'tank 3, in this case, is filled. Thereafter cylinder 40 'will again continue to rotate. Protractile member 60 as seen in Fig. 2' is in the retracted position, signifying'that one of the three-way valves in line '9 is in the closed position preventing gas under pressure from actuating or forcing protractilemember 60 into the position of engagement with lug 50. The cylinder 40 'will continue to rotate and the projecting member or lug 50 will be bypassed owing to the retracted position of protractile element 60.

When cylinder 40 has completed its rotary path, weight 46 will have come in contact with three-way piston valve 68, which Will be opened allowing gas under pressure to proceed along line 70 to a diaphragm operated valve 72 in the main oil fill line 73 and causing it to be closed thereby preventing further oil from entering the system. -A simple alarm may replace this part of thesystem, or be used in conjunction therewith, if desired.

An enlarged drawing of the fluid level indicator float 26, which is secured to the stem 80 of three-way valve 26 is shown in Fig. 4. Valve-stem 80 extends through stufling box 32 secured to-ahole in thewall of tank 1. When there is no oil in the-tank or when the tank is not filled sufficiently to raise -'thefloat from "float perch 84 in the position as shown in ''the drawing, valve 20 will allow gas toproceed along "line 7. However, 'when'the tank is full, float '26 will be raised causing valve 20 through valve stem 80 'to turn, stopping the flow of --'gas through line 7 and causing the gas to bleed from the line 7 between valve 20 and the control mechanism "6.

'sFi'g.15.shews asectionaltop view of a three-wayvalve The valve is turned a quarter turn in operation to either closed or open position and back a quarter turn to effect the opposite.

In Fig. 6 an enlarged view of plug valve 14 adapted to operate three-way valve 8 is shown. It can be seen that when valve 14 in oil discharge line 13 is open, as shown in the drawing, three-way valve 8 in gas supply line 7 is closed, allowing gas to bled off. When valve 14 is closed, valve 8 will be open.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention, as hereinbefore set forth, may be made without departing from .the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim: I

1. In a tank battery having a plurality of tanks, each having an inlet line with a fluidpressu're actuated shutoff valve and an outlet line with shut-off valve, a common supply line connected to each of said inlet lines, and a common discharge line connected to each of said 'outlet lines, an automatic filling system for said tank battery comprising a rotary master controller, means for applying force to rotate said master controller, a supply of fluid under pressure connected to said master controller, means for operatively associating said master controller with each of said shut-off valves in the said inlet lines for selectively connecting said fluid pressure supply 1o actuate said valves as regulated by said controller, separate means to control said pressure supply and responsive to liquid :level in each of :said tanks,.me.a'ns for operative- 1y associating said liquid level responsive means-with said master controller, :said master controller .;having means for causing said common supply line .to be connected sequentially with each of said inlet lines on :rotation of the master controller, and also having means .for holding said master controller in a given position to main tain said common supply line connected to-only oneirof said inlet lines at a time until the liquidlevel responsive means in the respective tank thatsis connectedtosaid one inlet line operates because that tankhas reached a predetermined level, said last named means acting to then release said master controller for rotation to a new position, and means associated with said fluid pressure supply and with said master controller holding means for preventing said master controller ;as itrotatesvto-said new position from causing said common supply line to be 'connected with any one of said inlet lines ifeither'the -shutoil valve in the discharge line of the respective-tank is open or the liquid level responsive means of'that'tank has operated because such tank has reached said predetermined level. V

2. In a tank battery having aplurality of'tanksyea'ch having an inlet line With a fluid pressure actuated shutoff valve and an outlet line with-shut-ofi' valve, a common supply line connected to each of said of said inletlines,

and a common discharge line connected to each of-said outlet lines, an automatic filling system-for said tank battery comprising a rotary master controller, means for applying force to rotate said master controller, means for receiving a supply of fluid under pressure and connected to said master controller, means for operatively-associatin g said master controller with each of said shut-'oif valves in the said inlet lines for selectively connecting said fluid pressure supply receiving means-to aotuate'said valves as regulated by said controller, separate means tocontrol fluid pressure received by said fluid pressure supply receiving means and responsive to liquid level in'eachbf-said tanks, means for operatively associating'said liquid level responsive means with said master controllensaid master controller having means for causing said-common supply line to be connected sequentially with'each-of'said inlet lines on rotation of the mastercontroller, 'andalso'having means forholding said master controller inia given position tomaintainsaid-common supply line connectedto only-oneof said inlet 'lines at'zrtime untilthe liquid "level responsive means in the respective tank that is connected to said one inlet line operates because that tank has reached a predetermined level, said last named means acting to then release said master controller for rotation to a new position, and means associated with said fluid pressure supply and with said master controller holding means for preventing said master controller as it rotates to said new position from causing said common supply line to be connected with any one of said inlet lines if either the shut-off valve in the discharge line of the respective tank is opened or the liquid level responsive means of that tank has operated because such tank has reached said predetermined level.

3. In a tank battery having a plurality of tanks, each having an inlet line with a fluid pressure actuated shutoff valve and an outlet line with shut-01f valve, a common supply line connected to each of said of said inlet lines, and a common discharge line connected to each of said outlet lines, an automatic filling system for said tank battery comprising a rotary pneumatic supply controller, gravity motor means for applying force to rotate said rotary controller, means for receiving pneumatic fluid under pressure connected to said rotary controller, first pneumatic circuit means for connecting said rotary controller with each of said shut-off valves in said inlet line for actuating said valves as controlled by said rotary controller, separate means responsive to liquid level in each of said tanks, second pneumatic circuit means for connecting said liquid level responsive means with said rotary controller, said rotary controller having pneumatic valve means for controlling the application of pneumatic pressure to said shut-off valves in order to cause said common supply line to be connected sequentially with each of said inlet lines on rotation of the rotary controller, said rotary controller also having pneumatically actuated protractile means for holding the controller in a given position to maintain said pneumatic valve means to connect only one of said inlet lines until the liquid level responsive means in the respective tank that is connected to said one inlet line operates because that tank has reached a predetermined level, said protractile means acting when retracted to release said rotary controller for rotation to a new position, and third pneumatic circuit means including valves therein associated with said fluid pressure supply and with said rotary controller for preventing said rotary controller as it rotates to said new position from causing said common sup ply line to be connected with any one of said inlet lines in the event that either the shut-oi? valve in the discharge line of the respective tank is open or the liquid level responsive means of that tank has operated because such tank has reached said predetermined level.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 60,232 Nichols Dec. 4, 1866 526,719 Lenoir et al Oct. 2, 1894 1,541,600 Steenstrup June 9, 1924 2,333,551 Pegg Nov. 2, 1943 2,340,912 Van Hamersveld Feb. 8, 1944 2,605,780 Nance Aug. 5, 1952 2,742,918 Irving Apr. 24, 1956 2,871,883 Dunlap Feb. 3, 1959 

